Let’s hike Ruby Gulch. Possible stream crossings, wet conditions, and bushwhacking.
All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/colorado/ruby-gulch?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map
Go Hike Colorado: http://www.gohikecolorado.com/ruby-gulch.html
Distance: RT ~5 miles. Out/back.
Difficultly: Moderate
Elevation: Start: 10,360’. End: 11,831’. Total: ~1747’
Weather Forecast:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.82383155822752&lat=39.75186087189465#.Yq-F_HbMLIU
Total hike time: ~3 hrs. Drive from TH to carpool location: ~45 min.
Carpool info: Meet at the Park and Ride Wooly Mammoth lot, section GG at 7:30 a.m. From I70 westbound, take exit 259. Turn right (north), take a left at the next signal.
Link to carpool: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//39.698924,-105.2065426/@39.6991303,-105.2083886,17z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0?hl=en
Don’t forget to tip to your driver.
Directions to trailhead: Meet at Ruby Gulch TH no later than 8:15.
From Denver, From I-70 exit at US 40 and follow it through the towns of Empire and Berthoud Falls to "Big Bend," the large switchback before heading up to Berthoud Pass. Exit US 40 at the signs for Big Bend and follow the road towards the Henderson Mine and the Parking area for Jones Pass. Just before the mine, turn left at the sign for Urad. You are now on Woods Creek Road. Follow the good dirt road past the mine's retention ponds. Before too long you'll see a parking area on the right and the gated road just up from the parking area on the left. Park here and walk up to the gated road which is the Ruby Creek Trail.
Link to TH. https://www.google.com/maps/dir//39.75467,-105.82427/@39.7535996,-105.8384269,4078m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0!5m1!1e4
ATTENDEE LIMIT: 10. If full, RSVP will close on Friday, July 1st @ 6 p.m. Please do NOT show up if you are on the waitlist without contacting me directly. Text/call my mobile (see below).
Pet Owners - Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed or under strict voice control. Dog owners must clean up after their pets. If you have an aggressive dog that does not get along well with other dogs or chases wildlife, please do not bring your dog.
Your Somali wild ass service animal may not do well at this altitude and is not recommended for this hike. https://www.whiteoakwildlife.org/animal-programs/somali-wild-ass/
What to bring: Be prepared. Rain gear (jacket and pants), hat/beanie, gloves/liners, food & snacks/water, sunscreen, sunglasses, extra clothing/layers, map/compass/gps, toilet paper, zip lock bags, etc. Pack it in, pack it out. Please practice Leave No Trace principles. Link: https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles
Après (post) hike: If weather permits, let’s tailgate after the hike. Bring your favorite beverage and some to share and hors d'oeuvre/snacks/fruit/dessert/blue peanut M&Ms to share, and a folding chair and blanket. I will bring plates, bowls, utensils, napkins, and a small table. I can take two folks in my 4Runner and will bring chairs for them.
Mitch’s mobile:[masked]. Expect no cell service at the TH and on the hike.
DISCLAIMER: Hiking is risky. Every year people are hurt and killed because they go beyond their abilities, get lost, or bring the wrong gear. I am not a professional guide. You are responsible for yourself. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear and conditioning required. And lastly, anyone choosing to hike with our group should carry personal medical insurance and a CORSAR (Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue) card (https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dola/search-and-rescue-fund) in case of an emergency.